As the controversy behind where the Federal polytechnic located in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State is supposed to be sited and who attracted the project to the council area continues to rage, one of those who appealed to then President Muhammadu Buhari for the siting of the project in Umuchieze has bared his mind on the issue.
Baring his mind via a write up, titled IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE UMUCHIEZE POLYTECHNIC & NOT ISUOCHI POLYTECHNIC, LET US PUT THE RECORD STRAIGHT, Arch. Victor C. P. Ogbukwe (Chief Ocho- Udo) who was the president General of Umuchieze development Union when the move was initiated has made it clear that the project which was to be sited in Umuchieze clan of the council area following efforts put by traditional rulers and community leaders from the clan.
While explaining the Genesis of the journey to the location of the project, Arch. Ogbukwe who is the current chairman of the Umunneochi Council of President Generals, noted that following the approval of the establishment of a Federal polytechnic in Abia via a federal executive council decision, the royal fathers and himself on 21/6/21 approached the then Minister of state for mines and steel development, Dr Uche Sampson Ogah, through a letter seeking the siting of the polytechnic in Umuchieze.
According to him, as a result of the presentation made by Dr Ogah to the President through a letter date 29/6/21, the application was approved, subsequently leading to an appreciation letter on 4/7/22 to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of the polytechnic in the area.
Chief Ogbukwe who expressed shock at the turn of events in taking the polytechnic away from Umuchieze to Ngodo Isuochi described the action as surprising.
He therefore made it clear that the present site for the polytechnic is an action that has denied the people of Umuchieze their God given project and challenged anyone with superior argument or present his facts.
“As president general of Umuchieze, I am the one that wrote and requested for the creation and sighting of a Polytechnic in Umuchieze in Umunneochi local government Council under the directive of the then minister Hon. Uche Ogah.
“Hon. Uche Ogah also requested and got another letter from our Royal fathers, the Umuchieze Council of Ndi-Eze
“Then Hon. Uche Ogah combined the two letters and wrote a cover letter with his ministry’s headed paper to his Excellency president Muhammadu Buhari requesting for the creation and Establishment of a Federal polytechnic in Umuchieze.
“When the approval of the Umuchieze polytechnic came out, Hon. Uche was among President Buhari entourage to Ebonyi state in pursuance of his gubernatorial aspirations and thus never foresaw any danger against his request.
“So, my people, it is a high jack and project divert against the people of Umuchieze and the person of Hon. Uche Ogah.
“Every name and direction of the polytechnic was diverted and Hon. Uche Ogah who doesn’t like talking is alive let him confirm this or his glory will be taking away in his life time, Arch. Ogbukwe pointed out.
